Alison Jones
Alison is a contributing writer for Homes & Gardens. She was previously Co-Editor of Real Homes magazine and now works as a freelance writer for a variety of homes publications. Originally a newspaper journalist, Alison has worked as a film critic and celebrity interviewer, and has also written on property, fashion, lifestyle, entertainment and the arts. Having purchased a Victorian property in severe need of updating, much of her time is spent solving the usual issues renovators encounter.
Latest articles by Alison Jones
-
How to winterize rhododendrons and guarantee showstopping blooms
These hardy plants that grow in the Himalayas are used to inhospitable conditions, but they still need cold weather care to help them thrive
By Alison Jones Published
-
How to winterize black-eyed Susans – and ensure a joyful display for years to come
Discover how to protect these sunshine-colored flowers over winter
By Alison Jones Published
-
How to winterize coneflowers – and ensure they come back year after year
Echinacea not only has beautiful daisy-like blooms, it can also boost your health
By Alison Jones Published
-
What is air layering propagation? Expert advice on how to do it, plus the mistakes to avoid
This alternative method of cloning plants has the key to successful root growing in the bag
By Alison Jones Published
-
8 stunning lavender alternatives that smell incredible, and will look just as beautiful in your garden
These multipurpose plants look and smell just as good as lavender, but offer an interesting alternative to this classic shrub
By Alison Jones Published
-
Is the 'fridgescaping' trend a functional fail? We ask the experts if style matters more than storage in this space
Decorating the inside of your fridge like a beautiful tablescape is taking off on social media. But will it get a frosty reception from your family?
By Alison Jones Published
-
How to grow and care for sword ferns – and add a tropical touch to your yard
Introduce lush foliage to your outdoor space with a shade-loving, low-maintenance plant that is ideal for beginner gardeners
By Alison Jones Published
-
These fast-growing climbers will transform your pergola into a romantic, botanical wonderland
Seek out bright, scented climbing plants to give your outdoor shaded space a show of color all year round
By Alison Jones Published
-
Six reasons to use low VOC paints – experts reveal why they're better for you, your home and the environment
Cutting down on chemicals when decorating will reduce physical side effects and be better for the planet
By Alison Jones Published
-
Can I grow a tree from a branch? Expert advice on raising a tree from a cutting
Expand your yard the sustainable way by cultivating an offcut and growing a tree for free
By Alison Jones Published
-
8 of the best scented plants to create a perfumed front porch
Gather together a mood-setting mix of plants for a fragrant entrance to your home
By Alison Jones Published
-
How to safely remove bees from your home - humane tips to relocate a bees nest
These protected pollinators can be a threat to home and health if they make their hive in your walls. We look at ways to rehome them without harming the colony
By Alison Jones Published
-
How to harvest lupine seeds – for sowing new plants next season
The spire-shaped lupine has an abundance of flowers, producing plenty of seeds to reap in the fall
By Alison Jones Published
-
How to get rid of hornets in your home – humane and safe ways to deter these pests
Defensive of their nests and with a painful sting, a colony of hornets aren’t creatures you want to share a house with. We look at ways to remove them safely and keep them out
By Alison Jones Published
-
Invasive ground cover plants to avoid – 8 species to watch out for in your yard
You may admire their pretty foliage, but left unchecked these plants can smother your flowers and take over in the backyard
By Alison Jones Published
-
Is it antisocial to have an overgrown hedge? Avoid upsetting your neighbors with our expert advice
Is your yard a blot on the local landscape with its too-tall trees and scruffy foliage? We look at the etiquette of keeping your borders in check
By Alison Jones Published
-
How to grow pleached trees to create a living privacy screen
Shield your yard from being overlooked, or obscure an ugly view, with trees trained into squares
By Alison Jones Published
-
How to repair scratches on wood surfaces – tips to revive your furniture and floors
If your favorite pieces have been marked or damaged, follow our tips to get them looking good as new
By Alison Jones Published
-
How to grow your own flowers for confetti – create the perfect petals with these beautiful blooms
Add a personal touch to your celebration with confetti blooms you've cultivated yourself, and can enjoy for years afterwards
By Alison Jones Published
-
Professional decorators reveal their top tips for preparing a room for painting
Expert painters and decorators share how to prepare a room for painting, from moving and protecting furniture to getting a crisp and even finish every time
By Alison Jones Published
-
6 things you should always check before buying a fixer-upper home – don't have buyer's remorse
If you're looking for a transformation challenge, follow our tips to make sure your dream project doesn't turn out to be a dud
By Alison Jones Published
-
Painting your home? These are the 10 must-have tools to make the job easier
Follow these professional tips for an even, bristle-free, and drip-free finish to your decorating
By Alison Jones Published
-
I'm about to complete a home renovation – this is how I avoided the dreaded 'reno burnout'
Don't let the stress of living on a building site stop your project in its tracks. Learn how to avoid renovation burnout to increase your chances of a successful home renovation.
By Alison Jones Published
-
Experts share their secrets for restoring historic homes to their former glory
Follow our expert tips for restoring a historic home and rescuing an older property from decay to reinstate its original features
By Alison Jones Published